Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Rate Decreases to 3.9 Percent in December, Setting New Record Low

​Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment situation report for December 2022.

Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was down one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 3.9% in December, setting a new record low. The U.S. unemployment rate was also down one-tenth of a point over the month, falling to 3.5 percent. The commonwealth's unemployment rate was 1.6 percentage points below its December 2021 level and the national rate was down 0.4 percentage points over the year.

"Pennsylvania's new record low unemployment rate of 3.9% is encouraging. Pennsylvanians are reentering the workforce, launching new careers and pursuing jobs that sustain their families. Opportunity abounds today for Pennsylvania workers," said L&I Acting Secretary Nancy Walker. "We also know that a historically tight labor market presents its own challenges, particularly for employers who need workers with specialized skillsets. L&I's role in providing services to workers and employers is as critical as ever, and we are committed to meeting those challenges and building a Pennsylvania economy that works for everyone."

Pennsylvania's civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – was up 9,000 over the month. The employment count rose by 11,000 and resident unemployment declined by 1,000.

Pennsylvania's total nonfarm jobs were up 17,000 over the month to 6,040,100 in December. Jobs increased from November in 9 of the 11 industry supersectors. The largest gain was in construction (+4,600), while professional & business services jobs rose to a record high level. Over the year, total nonfarm jobs were up 202,500 with gains in 10 of the 11 supersectors.

From April 2020 to December 2022, Pennsylvania recovered approximately 95% of jobs lost in the first two months of the pandemic. Four supersectors - trade, transportation & utilities; information; professional & business services; and manufacturing – were above their pre-pandemic job levels in December 2022.

Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Note: The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. December data are preliminary and subject to revision.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James, dlipress@pa.gov

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Editor's Note: A breakdown of Pennsylvania's employment statistics follows.